Working Together
Commissions offer the opportunity to own a bespoke ceramic sculpture, made specifically for you and the space it will occupy. A work from my portfolio can be remade in dimensions to suit a particular setting, or in a different clay body. I am also happy to work from your own brief, developing a unique sculpture through discussion until the design feels right.
Every commission is hand-built in grogged stoneware in my UK studio, with the same care and attention that goes into all of my work.
Scale and Setting
My ceramic sculptures can range from smaller pieces for shelves and plinths to larger works for gardens, hotels, offices and architectural spaces. For work intended to be placed outdoors, I recommend a waterproof sealant, which can be applied on request.
Sculptures made in a single piece can be up to 62cm high and 60cm wide, which is the capacity of my kiln. Larger works can be made in sections, or it may be possible to arrange firing in a larger kiln. I am happy to discuss the options for larger pieces.
Memorial Urns
I also create ceramic memorial urns for people and pets, moving away from the traditional idea of an urn. Clients have wanted something that celebrates a life, a piece that sits naturally in the home without being recognisable as an urn. Some are developed from my existing sculptural forms, with an opening in the base for ashes, while others are entirely unique, created from a brief with personal meaning.
It has been a privilege to create these urns as a final celebration of a loved one’s life. Urn commissions follow the same process as all of my sculptures, outlined below.
The Process
Following your initial enquiry, I will let you know my current availability, whether there is a waiting list for commissions, and the likely timescales. We will then discuss your requirements in detail, including the piece itself, the space it is intended for, its size and the clay body.
Once we have agreed on these details, I will set them out in writing, with initial sketches where appropriate, for your approval. If you would like to see and handle the different clay bodies before making a decision, a sample tile box can be sent to you.
Making
When everything has been confirmed, I will send an invoice together with the written agreement and payment plan, and work on your sculpture will begin. Each piece is hand-built, dried slowly and fired, and commissions generally take six to eight weeks to complete, depending on size.
I will keep you updated on my progress throughout the commissioning process. Once the sculpture is completed, the final payment will be requested. The sculpture will then be carefully packaged so that shipping quotes can be provided.
Pricing and Payment
Prices for commissioned sculptures range from £1,200 to £5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Following a discussion of your requirements, a quote will be provided. The final price will be confirmed in your written agreement.
A 50% deposit is payable when the commission is agreed, with the remaining 50% due before delivery. Once paid and work has begun on your commission, the deposit is non-refundable. Please note that shipping is not included in the agreed price for the commission and will be charged separately.
If you are interested in commissioning a piece, or would like to discuss an idea, please get in touch.